Quick facts

• Provider: P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund
• Level: Graduate (advanced degrees); also international students attending Cottey College
• What it covers: Based on demonstrated need, with a maximum award of $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs. The award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses.
• Key dates (2027–2028 term of study): Eligibility forms accepted from 15 September 2026; last day to submit eligibility forms 15 December 2026; completed application materials due 1 February 2027 (applicants already enrolled) or 15 March 2027 (applicants not yet enrolled, and Cottey College applicants); award notification May 2027; last day to accept 1 June 2027
• Official pages: P.E.O. eligibility and application process and IPS application calendar

About this scholarship

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund provides scholarships to international women pursuing graduate degrees in the US and Canada to foster global peace through education. Since 1949, the fund has been helping women from around the world pursue graduate study in the US and Canada. The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses, such as personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships.

Who can apply

A woman is eligible for consideration if she is a woman outside the United States and Canada who is seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the US or Canada, will return to her home country to utilise her education to make a positive impact and foster global peace, and has a full year of formal coursework remaining and is enrolled and in residence in the US or Canada for the entire school year — or is an international student attending Cottey College. Please note: doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants; a student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible (a student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted); scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships or for practical training if not combined with formal coursework.

How to apply

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements on the official P.E.O. eligibility page.
2. Submit the eligibility form during the eligibility period, 15 September to 15 December 2026. Applications are accepted in this window each year.
3. If eligibility is established, you will receive access to the full application materials.
4. Submit your completed application materials by the date that applies to you: 1 February 2027 if you are already enrolled in the graduate programme and school for which the scholarship is intended, or 15 March 2027 if you are not yet enrolled (and if you will be attending Cottey College).
5. Scholarship awards are notified in May 2027, and the last day to accept an IPS scholarship is 1 June 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this scholarship for? Women from outside the United States and Canada who are seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the US or Canada.

Does it cover all my costs? No. The award is based on demonstrated need, is capped at $12,500, and is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses — you must show additional financial resources.

What is the first deadline? The eligibility form must be submitted by 15 December 2026; the full application materials are due later, 1 February or 15 March 2027 depending on enrolment status.

Can doctoral students apply? Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.

Must I return home after studying? The programme expects recipients to return to their home countries to use their education to make a positive impact and foster global peace.

Related scholarships

• Back to the USA Study Visa page
• See also USA jobs on AlfaCareers
• Clark University Presidential Scholarship
• Boston University Presidential Scholarship
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
• Rotary Peace Fellowship (master’s track)

Last verified: 27 October 2026. Deadlines must be re-checked on the official P.E.O. pages before applying.